It is well known that corruption and various schemes are unacceptable in Europe. Everything must be done legally and in accordance with regulations.
This is why the AML (Anti-Money Laundering) system was introduced. Its main purpose is to prevent so-called “dirty money” from entering the European Union. Simply put, AML is a set of laws and regulations aimed at combating illegal money circulation, and everything discussed in this article falls within the framework of AML.
Declaring Money When Entering Poland
First and foremost, when bringing money into Poland (amounts exceeding €10,000), you are required to declare it.
How Does the Declaration Process Work?
At the border, you must fill out a special form in which you provide information about yourself, including whether you are an individual or a legal entity, your destination, the exact amount you are carrying, and your mode of travel (train/bus/car/plane). After completing the declaration, the information is recorded in the system.
Do You Need to Pay Tax on the Declared Amount?
No, because if you have a legitimate source of income and can prove the origin of your money, paying tax again would be illogical.
Example:
You own a private business in Ukraine and have earned €20,000, which you are bringing into Poland.
At the border, you declare this amount. If any questions arise, you present a certificate confirming that you have paid taxes in Ukraine, thereby resolving any concerns.
How to Deposit Money into a Bank?
The banking procedure works as follows:
You can deposit a large sum (e.g., $50,000) into your account. You might even be lucky enough to deposit the full amount in one transaction—by simply going to a bank teller who accepts all the money. However, problems may arise when you attempt to transfer the money elsewhere.
When sending money, the bank may start inquiring about the source of funds. At this point, it becomes crucial whether you declared your funds upon entering Poland and whether the money is “clean.”
If you followed legal procedures, there should be no issues. You have an officially earned amount in Ukraine, you declared it when entering Poland, and you deposited it into your bank account.
However, it is important to note that a bank declaration alone may not be sufficient. Banks often require additional documents proving the source of funds.
Example:
You want to bring $100,000 into Poland to start a business, and this amount was obtained from the sale of real estate. In this case, it would be ideal to present a sales contract.
If you are carrying a smaller amount, a tax certificate and proof of income may be sufficient.
Remember that, in addition to the necessary documents, you must also provide a certified translation.
Once all the required documents have been submitted, the bank grants you access to your funds.
What If the Bank Blocks the Transaction?
Sometimes, banks block incoming transactions. For example, you go to the cashier to deposit $20,000, and they refuse while questioning, “Where did you get this money?” In such situations, it is important not to panic.
The reason is that every banker, regardless of position, undergoes AML training. According to the law, if a banker accepts “laundered” money, both they and the bank will face penalties.
Conclusion
To summarize, there is no need to fear or avoid declaring your funds. No one will take your money away. On the contrary, if you follow the established rules, you can enter Poland with peace of mind, open a bank account, and, most importantly, use your money freely.
